Breathing (Steeping) – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Breathing (Steeping) is the controlled resting period after e-liquid is mixed and before it is vaped. During this time the bottle cap is briefly removed—or left slightly open—so volatile alcohols and harsh top-notes can escape while oxygen mingles with flavour molecules. The goal is smoother, rounder taste, much like letting a wine “breathe”. For Australian vapers, breathing is an optional final tweak that can turn a freshly-mixed juice into a balanced, shelf-ready product without extra heat or equipment.

Technical Details

Breathing works through simple gas exchange: when the cap is loosened, low-boiling-point solvents (ethanol, acetoin, acetyl propionyl) evaporate, while atmospheric oxygen oxidises trace aldehydes, reducing “perfumey” or “peppery” off-notes. Typical duration is 2–6 h; longer exposure risks losing volatile fruit esters or introducing microbial contaminants. Ideal ambient conditions are 20–25 °C, <60 % RH, away from UV. Two variations exist:

• Partial breathing: cap removed for 15 min, then replaced; repeated once daily over 24 h.
• Continuous breathing: cap left half-on for 2–4 h, followed by normal steeping with cap tight.

Both methods are compatible with PET, Chubby-Gorilla and glass bottles; avoid with high-nic salts above 50 mg/mL because nicotineoxidation accelerates, darkening colour and adding pepperiness.

Usage & Tips

• Start after at least a 24 h closed steep; breathing too early flattens layered custards or creams.
• Use a coffee filter or clean muslin over the neck to keep dust out while the cap is off.
• Shake bottle gently before each breathing session to redistribute flavour concentrates.
• If liquid darkens rapidly or smells sharply, stop breathing and refrigerate to slow further oxidation.
• High-VG dessert juices benefit most; simple menthol or candy flavours rarely need more than 30 min.
• Store final product in a cool, dark place—never leave bottle open near a Mod“>box mod, batterycharger or Deck“>build deck where metallic debris could fall in.

History & Context

The term migrated from hobbyist DIY forums circa 2012 when Aussie mixers sought faster alternatives to month-long traditional steeping. Borrowing the whisky industry’s “airing” step, “breathing” became a staple of Reddit’s /r/DIY_eJuice and local Facebook groups, shortening time-to-vape for bottom-coil and BVC clearomiser users who wanted juice ready overnight.